As we begin to consider the Cowboys' vital 2018 offseason, we must establish the same priority list and parameters they will. Change is inevitable in the NFL, and the teams that handle the change with the proper balance between calm evaluation and aggressive determination to improve have a chance to reap the benefits by September.

These last four seasons have been frustrating and disappointing for the franchise, given how strong they have looked for months at a time. The Cowboys' regular-season win total of 38 in that span is surpassed by only a few NFC teams: Seattle with 41, and then Green Bay, Carolina, Arizona, and Minnesota all tied at 39. Basically, during a transitional period from a franchise QB to a young replacement, they have kept pace or beaten nearly every team they compete with in the entire conference — including all three division rivals (Philadelphia: 37; Washington: 28; New York: 26).

That definitely doesn't make anyone feel better...

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